Linear Algebra- Finding the intersection of two straight lines.

In summary, the problem asks to determine whether two lines intersect and, if so, to find the intersection point and the distance between the lines. The lines are given by the symmetric equations (x-2)/2 = (y+3)/1 = (z-4)/-3 and (x+3)/4 = (y+4)/1 = (-z+8)/4. The attempt at a solution involves parametrizing the equations and finding the direction vector and a point on each line, but the next steps are unclear.
  • #1
tcanman
5
0

Homework Statement



Determine whether the following two lines intersect:

(x-2)/2 = (y+3)/1 = (z-4)/-3 ,and (x+3)/4 = (y+4)/1 = (-z+8)/4


Find an intersection point, then find the distance between the lines.

Homework Equations


Symmetric equations of a straight line (given)
Parametric equations of a straight line.
AxB/mag(AxB)

The Attempt at a Solution



First I parametrized the equations and got :
x=1+2t x=-3+4t
y=-3+t y=4+t
z=4-3t z=8-4t

Then I found PQ and n and I am not sure what to do next to find the intersection point.
Thank You
 
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  • #2
tcanman said:

Homework Statement



Determine whether the following two lines intersect:

x-2/2 = y+3/1 = z-4/-3 ,and x+3/4 = y+4/1 = -z+8/4

parens parens parens.

For example x - 2/2 = x - 1, but that's clearly not what you mean.

The very first step in any math problem is to make sure you remove any ambiguity from your notation. That will help you avoid trivial mistakes.
 

1. What is the intersection of two straight lines in linear algebra?

The intersection of two straight lines in linear algebra is the point at which the two lines cross or meet. It represents the solution to the system of equations formed by the two lines.

2. How do you find the intersection of two straight lines in linear algebra?

To find the intersection of two straight lines, you can use the method of substitution or elimination. In substitution, you solve one equation for one variable and substitute that into the other equation. In elimination, you add or subtract the equations to eliminate one of the variables and then solve for the remaining variable.

3. Can two straight lines intersect at more than one point?

No, two straight lines can only intersect at one point in linear algebra. This is because two lines with different slopes will never cross again after their initial intersection.

4. What does it mean if two straight lines do not intersect?

If two straight lines in linear algebra do not intersect, it means that they are parallel. This means that they have the same slope and will never cross or meet.

5. Can two straight lines intersect at a vertical line?

No, two straight lines cannot intersect at a vertical line in linear algebra. This is because a vertical line has an undefined slope, and two lines with different slopes will never intersect again after their initial intersection.

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